Tag: "96.7 the block"

Clear Channel and Empire State Building to Produce Halloween Light Show.Clear Channel’s New York stations WHTZ “Z100” and WKTU “105.3 KTU” will work with Empire State Realty Trust to put on a Halloween light show using the iconic building’s new LED lights. In a statement from Clear Channel, the company says the ESB will synchronize its LED tower lights to Halloween-themed music broadcast on the two stations at 8:30 pm ET on October 31. “The skyline spectacular will be choreographed by internationally acclaimed lighting designer Marc Brickman to a Halloween-inspired soundtrack transmitted from atop ESB. The light and music show will also be featured during the 40th anniversary of New York’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.” Empire State Realty Trust CEO Anthony Malkin says, “Empire State Building and Clear Channel’s first-ever Halloween light show comes on the heels of our premier light show to two songs by Alicia Keys and our performance in the Macy‘s July 4th fireworks display finale. For this show, we have a new surprise several months in the making which will bring even more excitement to New York City’s skyline. ESRT and Clear Channel are thrilled to gift our latest light show performance to our global audience to enjoy and share.”

Clear Channel Adds Two to Political Strategy Department. Will Leaverton and Brice Kornegay are joining Clear Channel Media and Entertainment as vice presidents of political strategy, effective immediately. They will report directly to Nathan Daschle, EVP of political strategy and will be located in Washington, D.C. The company states that “in these new positions, Leaverton and Kornegay will develop and execute ‘Go To Market’ strategies for various outlets in the political marketplace by utilizing Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s local and national on air, digital, mobile, live event and outdoor assets in a targeted and powerful way.” Clear Channel established the political strategy team in June of this year to focus on “working with political and issue advertisers and agencies to develop custom strategies that leverage the reach and power of Clear Channel.” Leaverton most recently was field director for Bill Thompson’s New York mayoral campaign. Prior to that, he served as the deputy national GOTV director for Obama for America, a committee liaison for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and a number of democratic campaigns in multiple states. Kornegay was most recently president of BK Strategies, LLC a political consultancy firm. He also served as a political field director and polling director for the Republican Governors Association, field representative for the National Republican Congressional Committee and worked on a number of campaigns in Oklahoma.

Funkmaster Flex to Be Inducted into NYSBA Hall of Fame. At the November 7 induction ceremony at the Paley Center for Media in Manhattan, WQHT, New York personality Funkmaster Flex will be inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. The hip hop icon began broadcasting hip hop and rap on New York radio in the late 1980s and is currently heard across the country via syndicated programming.

Atlanta Nash Bash.Cumulus Media held its “NASH Bash” at Atlanta’s Terminal West that featured performances by country music stars Kellie Pickler, Laura Bell Bundy, Jaida Dreyer (pictured here at right) and special appearances by “America’s Morning Show” news anchor Robin Meade, country artist Kenny Rogers and “Kickin It with Kix” host Kix Brooks. Cumulus is in the process of re-branding all 84 of its country-formatted stations with the “NASH” brand. WNSH, New York serves as the company’s “flagship” country outlet. Photo: Dylan York.

Clear Channel Brings Another Indie Aboard: Black River Entertainment.Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces another revenue-sharing deal with Nashville-based indie label Black River Entertainment. As with all of the deals struck so far, no financial terms are being made public but it allows Black River’s artists to share in revenue for airplay on Clear Channel’s broadcast and digital radio streams. Black River artists include: Kellie Pickler, Craig Morgan, Glen Templeton and The John King Band. CEO Gordon Kerr says, “Every day at Black River, we are focused on finding ways to develop our roster of incredibly talented artists for a long-term career in country music. We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Clear Channel and to deliver more for our artists while continuing to bring fans music they love.” CC’s CEO Bob Pittman adds, “Black River has proven its ability to find, develop and promote an extraordinary set of artists with outstanding musical talent and a genuine passion for country music. Clear Channel is delighted to work together with Black River artists, helping lead the way to a sustainable digital music industry that benefits everyone – artists, fans, record labels, and broadcasters.”